Ejector for power loader



Aug. 4, 1964 E. R. WIEMANN EJECTOR FOR POWER LOADER Filed Dec. 21, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. EDWARD R. WIEMAW M d ATTORNEY 8-, 1964 E. R. WIEMANN 3,143,227

EJECTOR FOR POWER LOADER Filed Dec. 21, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 2 Q75 g I 9 O 35 49 v FIG. 4

INVENTOR. EDWARD R.WIEMANN ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,143,227 EJEQTGR FGR PGWER LQADER Edward R. Wiernann, Molina, 113., assignor to Deere 8: Company, Molina, EL, a corporation of Delaware Filed Dec. 21, 1961, Ser. No. 161,161 6 (Iiaims. ((31. 214-133) This invention relates to a power loader and particularly to a power loader having an ejecting mechanism on its material carrying bucket. Still more particularly the invention relates to the control mechanism for operating the ejector mechanism.

In using an ejector element in a bucket for a power loader, it is normally required only upon the bucket moving into material-discharging position. In most instances, the mere movement of the bucket into dumping or discharge position will be suflficient for the material to pass over the edge of the bucket and to be discharged. However, under certain soil conditions there will be created a suction or vacuum between the surface of the material in the bucket and the bucket surface so that the material cannot be discharged by gravity alone. Consequently it is necessary to add an ejector element or plate to drive the material from the bucket. Since it is desirable to operate the ejector only upon the latter conditions, it is preferable to have a control mechanism for the ejector which may be utilized or not utilized as the situation demands. However, additional controls for operating an ejector take both the time to operate which decreases the over-all efficiency of the unit and also places an additionm burden on the operator.

With the above in mind, it is the primary object of the present invention to utilize a bucket having an ejector element therein, the latter being automatically responsive to material being held in the bucket to move in an ejecting stroke. Specifically it is proposed to provide an hydraulic cylinder between the boom supporting the bucket and the bucket which is utilized to move the bucket between a dumping position and a material transporting position. While moving between this cycle, the bucket obviously can be utilized as a digging element. Also, it is proposed to provide an ejector element within the bucket and an hydraulic cylinder for moving the ejecting mechanism reciprocally between an ejecting stroke and a retracting stroke. It is further proposed to provide a direct fluid connection between the cylinder controlling the bucket and the cylinder controlling the ejecting mechanism. The sizes of the two cylinders are such that upon the bucket being moved into dumping position the ejector plate or element will not be moved into an ejecting stroke unless the material is retained within the bucket. This is based upon the principle that should the material stay in the bucket, it will require a greater force in the cylinder tilting the bucket to move the bucket into a tilting or dumping position. However, since there is a direct connection between the two cylinders, the fluid will take the line of least resistance and the cylinder controlling the ejector element will extend to cause the ejector to eject the material. Should, however, the material be loosely held in the bucket and easily removable therefrom, the ejector element will not operate in the dumping operation. Conversely, when the bucket is moved from the dumping position into the load-carrying position it will normally pass into a working position in which the bucket is again loaded. Should the ejector mechanism be at its extended or at the end of its ejecting stroke, upon the bucket reaching a working position there will be resistance to further movement of the bucket and the fluid will again move to the line of least resistance causing the ejector to retract prior to its continuing in its working cycle. Consequently in this arrangement, only a single valve may be required and a single control mech- 3,143,227 Fatented Aug. 4, 1964 anism for the valve and the entire mechanism be utilized in conventional manner, but should the ejector be needed, it will be automatically applied. If it is not needed, then it will not operate in any manner.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the nature of the invention is better understood from the following description and as shown in the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a rear portion of a tractor and a power loader of the back hoe variety.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view through the bucket and the adjacent portion of the boom.

FIG. 3 is a view looking into the open face of the bucket and showing a portion of the tilting linkage on the bucket.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the hydraulic system for tilting the bucket and operating the ejector element.

The power loader in the present form and for purposes of disclosure will be of the back hoe type which is mounted on the rear end of a tractor 10 and includes a transverse supporting stand 11 which is more or less supported in cantilever fashion on the rear of the tractor but also has a pair of retractable legs 12, 13 that may be raised for purposes of transport and may be lowered when it is desired to operate the back hoe. A rotary swing cylinder 15 is supported on the rear surface of the supporting stand 11 and serves to swing a back hoe boom 16 about a vertical axis. The boom 16 may be raised and lowered about its lower end by means of an extensible and retractable cylinder 17. On the outer end of the boom 16 is a second boom or dipperstick 18 which may swing vertically about a horizontal pivot pin 19. The second boom or dipperstick 18 is controlled by means of an hydraulic cylinder 29. A bucket 25 is pivotally mounted on the outer end of the dipperstick 18 by a pivot pin 26 extending through the dipperstick 18 and a pair of bucket brackets 27, 23 disposed on opposite sides of the dipperstick. A pair of links 2?, 3% is also connected to the brackets 27, 28 by a pivot pin 31. The links 29, 3% are connected to the dipperstick by means of a third hydraulic unit 35 which, upon extension, causes the bucket to swing from a load-carrying position and a material discharging position. A pair of arms or control links 37, 38 extend from the under side of the dipperstick 18 to the point of connection between the hydraulic unit 35 and the links 29, 30.

The bucket 25 is composed of sides 40, 41 interconnected at their edges by an arcuate shaped back 42, the back 42 terminating in a forwardly disposed cutting edge 43. Digging teeth 44 are fixed to the forward cutting edge 43. The top of the bucket is provided with laterally disposed and spaced apart plates or straps 45, 46 extending between and interconnecting the upper edges of the sides 45 41. The plate 45 is reenforced by a beam 47 fixed to its under side. The plates 45, 45 are spaced apart in a fore-and-aft direction so as to permit the ram 48 of an hydraulic cylinder 49 to extend therethrough. The cylinder 49 has bracket mounts, such as at 56, carried on the transverse pivot pin 31 extending between the upright bracket or plates 27, 28. As is obvious from viewing FIG. 1, the cylinder 49 and ram 48 are positioned between the bracket plates 27, 28 and arms 29, 30 to provide maximum protection for the cylinder.

Provided on the inside of the bucket is a U-shaped ejector member 55 having vertically disposed sides 56, 57 and a bottom bite section or side 58, all of which lie adjacent to and inwardly of the respective sides 40, 41 and under side 42 respectively. The U-shaped ejector member 55 has beveled edges at its front and rear to clear the surfaces of the aforesaid sides. The ejector member 55 is supported on transversely alined pivot pins 59, 66 in the tracting stroke through operation of the hydraulic ram 48 in its respective cylinder 49. Referring to FIG. 4, the hydraulic cylinders 35, 49 are interconnected directly by conduit lines 75, 76. 75, 76. The cylinder 35 has a T-shaped fitting 77 opening 'to one end of the cylinder 35 and in the line 75. The

cylinder 35 also has a T-shaped fitting 78 opening into the opposite end of the cylinder 35 and in the line 76. The line 76 is provided with a second fitting 79 for passing fluid into the piston end of the cylinder 49 and the line 75 with a fitting 80 for passing fluid into the opposite end of the cylinder 49. As is clearly evident in FIG. 4, in order to move the bucket 25 into a dumping or retracted position fluid is passed into the T fitting 77 and withdrawn through the line 76. There being a T fitting 77 at the piston end of the cylinder 35, there will be a tendency for fluid to pass into the fitting and head end of the cylinder 49. As will be noted, the cylinder 35 is considerably larger than the cylinder 49 and the relative sizes of the cylinders will affect the over-all force of the respective rods on the bucket and the ejector plate. The piston in the cylinder 35 is considerably larger and consequently there is a tendency for the piston in that cylinder to move first since the greater pressure is applied thereon. This will cause the bucket 25 to move upwardly and toward a complete dumping position. Should, however, the material be retained in the bucket 25 as the bucket approaches dumping position, there will be a greater resistance to movement of the piston in the cylinder 35. This will cause the fluid to continue in the line 75 and into the fitting 8t and the head end of the cylinder 49. This will in effect cause the ejector plate to move downwardly and toward the forward edge 43 of the bucket which will break loose the earth or material within the bucket 25. When the piston rod 43 has moved toward the end of its stroke, or to a position where suflicient of the load is removed from the bucket, the bucket will continue in its upward movement towards its dumping position. However, it should be recognized that there will always be a degree of motion as most loads are discharged. Should the material begin to discharge upon the bucket moving towards its dumping position, such as would occur if there were dry loose earth in the bucket, the force required to raise the bucket to its dumping position will begin to come smaller due to the earth gravitating out of the bucket and the ejector plate 55 will not operate, it being assumed that there is a cut-0E in the valve mechanism upon the bucket reaching its dumping position.

Consequently it becomes clearly evident that the ejector member SS will operate only when the conditions of the material in relation to the bucket is such that an ejector 55 may be extended. However, upon a resistance to the cutting edge 43 occurring, the fluid passing through the line 76 will bypass the head end of the cylinder 35 and continue through the T fitting 78 to the piston end of the A valve V controls fluid into lines tact material to be dug. At this point the ejector member cylinder 49 and cause the rod 48 and the ejector member 7 .5 5 to retract. At this time the bucket will continue to further ,dig and move to the load carrying position.

As described above, there is required only a single valve mechanism for operating both movement of the bucket 25 as well as the ejector member 55. Also, the above described ejector mechanism and its controls has the additional advantage of not requiring additional or individual control.

While only one form of the invention has been shown, it should be recognized that other forms and variations will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the present disclosure was made in concise and detailed manner for purposes of clearly illustrating the principles of the invention and it was not intended to limit or narrow the invention beyond the broad concepts set'forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. On a backhoe having a main boom, a dipperstick mounted on one end thereof, and a bucket supported at a projecting end of the dipperstick to swing about a horizontal axis, the improvement comprising: hydraulic means including a bucket tilting double acting piston cylinder arrangement extending between the dipperstick and bucket for eflecting the movement of the bucket about the horizontal axis between a load-carrying position generally beneath the axis and a load discharge position offset laterally from the axis, an ejector element contained within the bucket having an edge thereof substantially conforming to the interior surface of the bucket and pivotally mounted on the bucket; hydraulic means including a double acting piston cylinder arrangement and connected to the ejector element for reciprocating the element in ejecting strokes and retracting strokes; a first fluid conduit means aifording a direct connection between the cylinders of the piston cylinder arrangements whereby pressure may be applied simultaneously to the respective pistons to tend to create a movement of the bucket to a dumping position and the ejector element in an ejecting stroke; a second conduit means alfording a direct connection between the cylinders wherebypressure may be applied simultaneously to the respective pistons to tend to create movement of the bucket to a carrying position and movement of the ejector element in a retracting stroke, the relative sizes of the piston and cylinders being such that movement of a material loaded bucket toward the dumping position without discharge of material will automatically effect a responsive movement of the ejector element in an ejecting stroke and movement of the bucket toward a load-carrying position will, upon an external resistance to the bucket movement, automatically effect a responsive movement of the ejector element in a retracting stroke. e

2. On a backhoe having a main boom, a dipperstick mounted on one end thereof, and a bucket supported at a projecting end of the dipperstick to swing about a horizontal axis, the improvement comprising: a bucket tilting double acting piston cylinder arrangement extending between the dipperstick and bucket for effecting the movement of the bucket about the horizontal axis between a load-carrying position generally beneath the axis and a load discharge position offset laterally from the axis, an ejector element contained within the bucket having an edge thereof substantially conforming to the interior surface of the bucket and pivotally mounted on the bucket; hydraulic means connected to the ejector element for moving the element in material ejecting strokes; a fluid conduit means affording a direct connection between the cylinder of the piston cylinder arrangement and the hydraulic means whereby pressure may be applied simultaneously to both to tend to create a movement of the bucket to a dumping position and the ejector element in an ejecting stroke, the relative sizes of the piston and cylinder in relation to the hydraulic means being such that movement of a material loaded bucket toward the dumping position without discharge of material will automatically etfect a responsive movement of the ejector element in an ejecting stroke and movement of the bucket toward a load-carrying position will automatically eiiect a responsive movement of the ejector element in a retracting stroke.

3. On a backhoe having a main boom, a dipperstick mounted on one end thereof, and a bucket supported at a projecting end of the dipperstick to swing about a horizontal axis, the improvement comprising: a bucket tilting double acting piston cylinder arrangement extending between the dipperstick and bucket for eifecting the movement of the bucket about the horizontal axis between a load-carrying position and a load discharge position, an ejector element contained within the bucket having an edge thereof substantially conforming to the interior surface of the bucket and pivotally mounted on the bucket; hydraulic means connected to the ejector element for moving the element in material ejecting strokes; a fluid conduit means affording a direct connection between the cylinder of the piston cylinder arrangement and the hydraulic means whereby pressure may be applied simultaneously to both to tend to create a movement of the bucket to a dumping position and the ejector element in an ejecting stroke whereby movement of a material loaded bucket toward the dumping position without discharge of material will automatically effect a responsive movement of the ejector element in an ejecting stroke.

4. On a power loader having a boom, and a bucket supported at a projecting end thereof to swing about a horizontal axis, the improvement comprising: hydraulic means including a bucket tilting double acting piston cylinder arrangement extending between the boom and bucket for effecting the movement of the bucket about the horizontal axis between a load-carrying position and a load discharge position, an ejector element contained within the bucket having an edge thereof substantially conforming to the interior surface of the bucket and pivotally mounted on the bucket; hydraulic means including a double acting piston cylinder arrangement and connected to the ejector element for reciprocating the element in ejecting strokes and retracting strokes relative to the bucket; a first fluid conduit means aifording a direct connection between the cylinders whereby pressure may be applied simultaneously to the respective pistons to tend to create a movement of the bucket to a dumping position and the ejector element in an ejecting stroke; a second conduit means aflfording a direct connection between the cylinders whereby pressure may be applied simultaneously to the respective pistons to tend to create movement of the bucket to a carrying position and movement of the ejector element in a retracting stroke, the relative sizes of the piston cylinders being such that movement of a material loaded bucket toward the dumping position without discharge of material will automatically effect a responsive movement of the ejector element in an ejecting stroke and movement of the bucket toward a load-carrying position will, upon an external resistance to the bucket movement, automatically effect a responsive movement of the ejector element in a retracting stroke.

5. On a power loader having a boom, and a bucket supported at a projecting end thereof to swing about a horizontal axis, the improvement comprising: hydraulic means including a bucket tilting double acting piston cylinder arrangement extending between the boom and bucket for effecting the movement of the bucket about the horizontal axis between a load-carrying position and a load discharge position, an ejector element contained within the bucket having an edge thereof substantially conforming to the interior surface of the bucket and pivotally mounted on the bucket; hydraulic means including a double acting piston cylinder arrangement and connected to the ejector element for reciprocating the element in ejecting strokes and retracting strokes relative to the bucket; fluid conduit means affording a direct connection between the cylinders whereby pressure may be applied to the respective pistons to simultaneously tend to create a movement of the bucket to a dumping position and the ejector element in an ejecting stroke or to simultaneously tend to create movement of the bucket to a carrying position and movement of the ejector element in a retracting stroke, the relative sizes of the piston cylinders being such that movement of a material loaded bucket toward the dumping position without discharge of material will automatically effect a responsive movement of the ejector element in an ejecting stroke and movement of the bucket toward a load-carrying position will automatically effect a responsive movement of the ejector element in a retracting stroke.

6. On a power loader having a boom, and a bucket supported at a projecting end thereof to swing about a horizontal axis, the improvement comprising: hydraulic means including a bucket tilting double acting piston cylinder arrangement extending between the boom and bucket for effecting the movement of the bucket about the horizontal axis between a load-carrying position and a load discharge position, an ejector element contained within the bucket having an edge thereof substantially conforming to the interior surface of the bucket and pivotally mounted on the bucket; hydraulic means including a piston cylinder arrangement and connected to the ejector element for reciprocating the element in ejecting strokes and retracting strokes relative to the bucket; fluid conduit means aifording a direct connection between the cylinders whereby pressure may be applied to the respective pistons to simultaneously tend to create a movement of the bucket to a dumping position and the ejector element in an ejecting stroke, the relative sizes of the piston cylinders being such that movement of a material loaded bucket toward the dumping position without discharge of material will automatically effect a responsive movement of the ejector element in an ejecting stroke.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 941,426 London Nov. 30, 1909 1,653,905 Harrison Dec. 27, 1927 2,720,990 Beyerstedt et a1 Oct. 18, 1955 2,764,306 Dorkins Sept. 25, 1956 2,812,872 Perkins et a1. Nov. 12, 1957 2,858,035 Mettetal Oct. 28, 1958 2,864,518 Beyerstedt Dec. 16, 1958 2,885,103 Cunningham May 5, 1959 

1. ON A BACKHOE HAVING A MAIN BOOM, A DIPPERSTICK MOUNTED ON ONE END THEREOF, AND A BUCKET SUPPORTED AT A PROJECTING END OF THE DIPPERSTICK TO SWING ABOUT A HORIZONTAL AXIS, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING: HYDRAULIC MEANS INCLUDING A BUCKET TILTING DOUBLE ACTING PISTON CYLINDER ARRANGEMENT EXTENDING BETWEEN THE DIPPERSTICK AND BUCKET FOR EFFECTING THE MOVEMENT OF THE BUCKET ABOUT THE HORIZONTAL AXIS BETWEEN A LOAD-CARRYING POSITION GENERALLY BENEATH THE AXIS AND A LOAD DISCHARGE POSITION OFFSET LATERALLY FROM THE AXIS, AN EJECTOR ELEMENT CONTAINED WITHIN THE BUCKET HAVING AN EDGE THEREOF SUBSTANTIALLY CONFORMING TO THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE BUCKET AND PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ON THE BUCKET; HYDRAULIC MEANS INCLUDING A DOUBLE ACTING PISTON CYLINDER ARRANGEMENT AND CONNECTED TO THE EJECTOR ELEMENT FOR RECIPROCATING THE ELEMENT IN EJECTING STROKES AND RETRACTING STROKES; A FIRST FLUID CONDUIT MEANS AFFORDING A DIRECT CONNECTION BETWEEN THE CYLINDERS OF THE PISTON CYLINDER ARRANGEMENTS WHEREBY PRESSURE MAY BE APPLIED SIMULTANEOUSLY TO THE RESPECTIVE PISTONS TO TEND TO CREATE A MOVEMENT OF THE BUCKET TO A DUMPING POSITION AND THE EJECTOR ELEMENT IN AN EJECTING 